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FAQ`s

When do I need a burn permit?

Burn permits are required between April 1 and October 31, for any type of outdoor burning (including brush, leaves, untreated wood, etc.)
Permits are not required for a small confined campfire for cooking or warmth.

Do I need a smoke alarm in my house?

Yes, smoke alarms are required by law on every storey of your home (including the basement) and outside all sleeping areas. This law applies to all cottages, cabins, trailers and boats with sleeping quarters in them also.

How often should I test my smoke alarm?

It is recommended that you test your smoke alarm every month and replace the batteries twice a year (usually when you change your clocks, in the spring and the fall.)

Do smoke alarms last forever?

No, smoke alarms must be replaced every ten years. Usually, the date of manufacture or the replacement date will be stamped on the smoke alarm itself.

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
By law, you must have a carbon monoxide detector in your home if you have any type of fuel-burning appliance such as a furnace, clothes dryer, water heater, fireplace, portable space heater, wood stove, barbeque or gas range. You must also have one if you have a garage attached to your house.

Ideally, you should have a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of your home or cottage, but if you are only installing one of them, it needs to be close to the bedrooms to give you extra protection when you are sleeping.

Why does my smoke alarm goes off a lot when I cook or after I have had a shower?

Smoke alarms are very sensitive to particles in the air. If you have a lot of false alarms, there are several things that you can do:
- Move the smoke alarm a few feet from where it currently is
- Buy a smoke alarm with a ‘hush’ button feature on it
- Change the type of smoke alarm that you have (ionization or photoelectric)